W.C. Handy Music Festival collection, 1948-2003 | UNA Archives and Special Collections
Name: W.C. Handy Music Festival collection, 1948-2003
Historical Note: William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. During his youth, Handy's family discouraged his intrest in music. In high school, he secretly joined a blues band and played cornet. After high school, Handy went on to have a successful career in music. He became a very famous American composer and musician and is known as the father of the Blues. Handy passed away on March 28, 1958 in New York City.